PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Gupta, Aayushi
AU  - Bharati, Rohit
AU  - Kubes, Jan
AU  - Vachova, Pavla
AU  - Popelkova, Daniela
AU  - Mahawar, Lovely
AU  - Zivcak, Marek
AU  - Yang, Xinghong
AU  - Brestic, Marian
AU  - Skalicky, Milan
TI  - Ferric oxide nano-priming enhances photosynthetic and physicochemical properties of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) microgreens
DP  - 2024 Oct 17
TA  - Plant, Soil and Environment
PG  - 702--711
VI  - 70
IP  - 11
AID - 10.17221/272/2024-PSE
IS  - 12141178
AB  - In modern agriculture, nano-priming represents an innovative approach, harnessing the power of nanotechnology to enhance crop yields and nutrition. However, to effectively harness the potential of nanoparticles (NPs) for agriculture applications, understanding their mode of action and optimal application rates for positive effects on microgreen growth and physiology is critical. In this interdisciplinary study, we investigated the priming of sunflower seeds with a range of concentrations (25, 50, and 100 mg/L) of ferric oxide (Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>) nanoparticles (FeNPs) and compared them with control samples. Our findings revealed a significant increase in plant biomass, leaf size, and photosynthetic activity in treated samples. The activities of photosystems I and II increased with higher FeNPs concentration. The treated samples exhibited elevated levels of total phenolics, anthocyanin, and antioxidant enzyme activity, along with increased macronutrients and micronutrients. These findings highlight the potential of FeNPs as a promising tool for enhancing plant growth and physiology in sunflower microgreens.